Free The Glenmore's: Caught by Susan Horsnell

Millie was busy baking, she wanted to take some items to the Glenmore’s and she wanted some treats for the ranch hands tomorrow.
    “I’m gonna ride over to George and Jenny’s. She invited me to have tea with her and somethin’ Ben started to say has made me curious so I would like to talk to her”
    “Okay darlin’ but it’s mighty cold outside so make sure ya warm”
    “I will Millie, don’t worry. I’ll be back in time for lunch” Justine kissed Millie’s cheek, pulled on her woollen coat, bonnet and gloves before stepping outside. The sun was shining and the sky was clear but the chill in the air left no doubt it was winter.
    She headed for the barn to saddle up Minx and be on her way.
    ********
    “Ben, can ya come in here please son?” Virginia called out from the kitchen.
    Ben was in his room wrapping some gifts and before he ambled out he made sure his door was closed against prying eyes.
    “Yes ma, what do ya need?” he asked. He was used to his mother, Alice and Nellie asking him to retrieve things from high shelves or put things back up. Being so tall made it easy for him.
    “Can ya get that roasting pan down from on top of the cupboard please son?” Virginia asked. Ben reached up and placed it down on the bench.
    “What would ya do without me ma?’ he asked cheekily as he placed a kiss on her cheek.
    “I’d manage somehow. Stop bein’ cheeky and be off with ya. What have ya got planned for today?” Virginia knew there wasn’t much that needed to be done around the ranch.
    “I’m gonna finish with my gifts and then mosey on over to the barn and see what pa and George are up to. Do ya need me to do anythin’ for ya?”
    “No darlin’ that was all”
    Ben wandered back to his room and continued wrapping his gifts. He looked at the gift he’d bought for Justine and hoped she’d like it. He’d wanted to get her something special because he didn’t think she’d had much in her life for the past two years. He’d bought her a lovely silver, heart shaped locket and he’s had a ‘J’ engraved on the front. He really hoped she’d like it but most of all he hoped she’d accept it!
    Ben finished up and took his gifts out to the parlour to place under the tree. He kept Justine’s in his room; one way or another he was determined to get her alone and give it to her. He pulled on his thick coat and gloves, slammed on his hat and headed out to the barn to see what needed doing.
    Ben hated winter; there wasn’t much to be done and he liked to be busy. Ranching was not only in Ben’s blood but it was in his heart and he known for years that it was all he’d ever do. He couldn’t understand why James had left the ranch to take up as a lawman but he admired his conviction and could see how happy he was.
    “Pa” he called out as he entered the barn.
    “Tack room Ben” came his father’s answer and ben made his way into the room where George and his father sat cleaning saddles.
    “What needs doin’ pa?” he asked.
    “There ain’t nothin’ son. George and me are just about finished here and then we got nothin’ until we feed this afternoon”
    “Okay, I’m goin’ to the bunkhouse then; see if I can get a game of cards”
    “Okay son” Joseph and George continued cleaning while Ben went in search of a card game.
    ********
    Justine arrived at Jenny’s and left Minx in a lean to out of the cold. It was there for visitors horses and came in handy in this cold weather.
    “Jenny, ya there?” she called out.
    Jenny came to the door with one of the girls in her arms. “Justine; how nice. Come on in; I could do with another pair of hands at the moment. I’ve got Lucy here fussin’ every time I put her down and Linda needs dressin’. Look at me still in my nightgown and robe too. Haven’t been able to get anythin’ done this mornin’; I think she might be teething”
    Justine walked in and took Lucy out of Jenny’s arms.
    “I’ll go make us some tea” Jenny said as she